cover image The Man Who Knew Charlie Chaplin

The Man Who Knew Charlie Chaplin

Eric Koch. Mosaic Press (NY), $21.95 (220pp) ISBN 978-0-88962-718-5

Conceptually intriguing but lacking in verve, Canadian writer Koch's historical novel tells the story of a wealthy American's investigation of the people and circumstances surrounding Hitler's rise to power. In 1929, self-made American millionaire Peter Hammersmith, originally a German immigrant, discovers that leftover funds from a recent donation to aid German anti-Bolshevik activities have financed the publication of Mein Kampf. Hammersmith is terrified by the book and contacts President Hoover immediately. Hoover orders him to go to Berlin and write a report on Hitler's position in German politics. In Berlin, Hammersmith interviews prominent German lawyers, bankers, revolutionaries and thinkers (some real, some closely based on real figures); most consider Hitler a crank, no more threatening than his look-alike, Charlie Chaplin's Tramp. After falling in love with a dashing young film actress whose boyfriend happens to be a Nazi storm trooper, Hammersmith finds his life threatened. He manages to win the actress's heart by promising to mention her to Chaplin after the comedian sends Hammersmith a telegram inquiring after German film talent. The novel then plods along to an abrupt but somewhat predictable end. Koch gives Hammersmith's misadventures the ring of authenticity, but the book reads more like a thesis than a work of fiction. Discussions of the relationship between the Nazis and the various socialist parties, along with lengthy biographic presentations of each character, slow the narrative momentum. Although intelligently written and highly informative, this novel ultimately fails to capitalize on its premise. (Sept.)